All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan will face a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing tomorrow afternoon following his arrest Sunday.

Cowan has twice been arrested for disorderly behaviour in recent weeks prompting the hearing at the NZRU offices in Wellington.

“We normally wait until the court process is complete,” said All Blacks manager Darren Shand, “but Jimmy has been involved in two incidents in a short period of time and we feel the need to act now.”

Shand noted that while it appeared no one had been hurt and no property damaged in either incident, recurring alcohol-related problems was a cause for concern and prompted immediate action: “The pattern of behaviour indicates that Jimmy doesn’t make good decisions when he’s been drinking.”

Shand will represent the NZRU at tomorrow’s hearing along with Neil Sorensen, the Union’s General Manager for Professional Rugby.  Cowan will be accompanied by his manager. 

A summary of facts will be tabled at the meeting and then sanctions considered under the Union’s Collective Employment Agreement.  Under the Agreement, penalties for misconduct range from a formal warning to dismissal.

Cowan remains training with the All Blacks squad pending the outcome of tomorrow’s hearing.

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